By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(May 24, 2018) The Berlin Mayor and Council last Monday discussed the following items during a public meeting at Town Hall:

Fees waived

The council, in separate unanimous votes, agreed to waive park reservation fees for Stephen Decatur High School and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services. One council member, Troy Purnell, was absent during the meeting.

During the discussion Councilman Thom Gulyas asked Town Administrator Laura Allen to look into a fee-waiver system for nonprofit use of town parks so a council vote isn’t required.

EDU shuffle

The council voted 3-1 to approve the transfer seven EDUs (equivalent dwelling units), a measure of water consumption, to TeePee Development LLC for use at the Purnell Crossing development owned by Councilman Troy Purnell. The costs were averaged to $8,585.71 per EDU.

Allen said the matter was slightly complicated because some ready-to-serve fees were not paid between 2003 and 2011 “for reasons that aren’t clear to us.” She said that factored into the averaged costs and that it was “unclear in terms of who’s really at fault in this.”

“My understanding is that it would make it easier for him to sell the properties, so he would like to get the council’s permission not only to transfer, which you’ve done before, but to agree to do the averaging so that the EDU cost is the same across all parcels.

“Ultimately, the town would be getting the same amount of money. We’re also going to be getting several years’ worth of ready-to-serve [fees] as a back payment for this issue,” Allen added.

Councilman Zack Tyndall opposed the measure.

Property tax rate

The council held a first reading to set the fiscal 2019 property tax rate, which remains flat at $0.68 per $100 of evaluation.

Mayor Gee Williams said the rate was one of the lowest in the region, excluding Ocean City.

“That is five cents lower than it was seven years ago, when we were one of the few municipalities in the entire state to lower our property tax rate. We’ve been able to maintain that for the last several years, but it’s not automatic,” Williams said. “I do not know if we’re going to be able to maintain … the lowest property tax rate in this region.”

A public hearing on the property tax rate would occur during the next council meeting, Allen said.

Drug box

Police Chief Arnold Downing said a drug drop-off box was set up at the new police station, near the corner of Flower Street and Assateague Road. He said the box would be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

He later clarified in an email that the box was for prescription drugs, including veterinary prescriptions, only. No liquids or sharp objects, including needles, are permitted.

“All illicit drugs should be given directly to an officer,” Downing said.

2019 events

Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said applications were available for 2019 events in the town. Those wishing to host events must register with the town by the beginning of September.

For more information or an application, contact Wells at iwells@berlinmd.gov or 410-629-1722.

Next meeting moved

Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen noted the next Town Council meeting would be moved from its normal Monday night slot because of Memorial Day. The new date and time is Tuesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. inside Town Hall.